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VIDEO: Wenger on signing Mathieu Debuchy

Arsène Wenger been speaking about the signing of experienced France international Mathieu Debuchy. Here is what he had to say:

The departure of Bacary Sagna created a gap for an experienced right back and Debuchy seems to fit perfectly…

Exactly. They are competitors in the French national team. The obvious replacement for Sagna was Debuchy and he's a player who has experience, he's played in the Premier League and he will also be in competition with Jenkinson, who I expect to move forward as well. There's an interesting fight there but of course he has experience and he's a guy who will bring something to the team with the departure of Sagna. We needed to sign somebody and I think Debuchy is the perfect signing.

Also he has that little bit of experience, having played 18 months at Newcastle. So there’s is no adaption required…

He knows what to expect and that's of course a huge advantage. I would like to thank Sagna for his contribution to this club. He had strong mental qualities and we wish him well. But Debuchy is also mentally strong and dedicated, with a big passion like Jenkinson so I think at right back now we are in a strong position.

You talked about Jenkinson, these two will compete at right back in your view?

He is going to compete, of course. There is nobody today who can play 60 games at the top level - that's why you always need two players. People always want for you to have two players in every position or sometimes three, and then they will ask you 'who will play?' You don't know before the season starts but what is important is that you have good players to have a chance to compete at the top level.

Right backs need to defend first but attacking ability is now crucial too. Sagna, Gibbs, Jenkinson, Monreal all get forward. How does Debuchy compare in that regard?

I think he's very good going forward, he's very quick in transition. He's sharp in his marking, good with interceptions and quick to go from defence to attack. You feel he always has the desire to go forward. I believe he will be perfectly suited to our style in that aspect.

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